Supported by:
Our initiative is supported by Community Conservation Inc. (CCI) and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin – Madison (RPCVs).
There are a total of 33 Community Forests within the Dakshinkali Municipality covering an area of 2170.8 Hectares (21.7 sq. km) which equates to around half of the total area and a religious forest around the Dakshinkali Temple with an area of 56 Hectares. A significant portion of the remaining area is agricultural land, being one of the major occupations of the local people.
Most of the forest area falls under the Forest User Groups’ management, and there has been significant control of forest degradation and promotion of sustainable forestry practices by local communities. However there are often limitations in planning and management due to insufficient study available on the forest. Thus it is important to generate a comprehensive knowledge of the forest resources which will be useful for creating good policies, and implementing proper management and utilization measures.
In August 2022, we formally held a meeting with the Ward-7 executive committee and community forest members to discuss the way forward to initiate capacity building and wildlife monitoring. We agreed on a common goal to initiate community led wildlife conservation and citizen science practices in the region starting with Gopaleshwor Community Forest. This first step will help start a chain of community led conservation efforts in other forests in the surrounding wards and in the entire municipality in the future.
To achieve our goal, we have three objectives for the initial project:
1. To conduct camera trap study of wildlife and big cats in Gopaleshwor Community Forest.
2. To use the information to help the community be better informed and prepared for potential future conflict scenarios.
3. To provide wildlife monitoring training to interested locals
Project Update 1: Introductory meeting with communities of Dakshinkali
We are excited to share news of our initial steps towards community conservation in Dakshinkali Municipality, Ward 7. On September 29, 2023, we held an introductory meeting with the local community at the ward office, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey.
Setting the stage for collaboration:
The meeting served as a platform to introduce ourselves and our project, “Initiating Community Conservation for Biodiversity with special focus on Leopards.” Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation Inc., shared inspiring examples of successful community conservation projects around the world, igniting a spark of hope and possibility for similar achievements in Dakshinkali.
Sharing our vision and seeking input:
Bidhan Adhikary provided a detailed overview of our project’s activities, outlining our goals and planned actions. This transparent communication fostered understanding and trust among the community members.
Community voices shape the future:
An essential aspect of the meeting was gathering valuable input from the community itself. Sakar Subedi facilitated an open discussion where community members shared their perspectives, concerns, and suggestions. This participatory approach ensured that our project activities align with the community’s needs and aspirations.
Building a foundation for success:
The introductory meeting laid the groundwork for a fruitful partnership between our project team and the Dakshinkali community. The shared enthusiasm, open dialogue, and valuable insights gained have instilled confidence in our collaborative approach to conservation.
Project Update 2: Camera trap training for community members
On February 2nd, 2024, we held a camera trap training session in Dakshinkali for 24 individuals residing near the Gopaleshwor Community Forest. This training aimed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.
Interactive learning for effective action:
The session began with a demonstration on the proper use of camera traps, covering aspects like placement, settings, and data collection. Following this, participants actively engaged in hands-on practice, deploying camera traps themselves in small groups. This practical experience solidified their understanding and fostered confidence in using this crucial tool.
A helping hand for camera trap deployment. We are using iron boxes to secure the cameras from theft and damage. Our best safety feature is involving community in the camera trapping. 
Short introduction to the different parts of camera traps for the participants. 
Ensuring the batteries are good and memory cards are in place. Time for hands-on camera trapping for local communities. 
Time for some action! Bidhan makes final check to the camera before handing them over to the participants for deployment. 
Local communities try to update the settings of camera traps by themselves. We always say, “if you can operate a cell phone, you can operate a camera trap.” 
Vetenary officer, Wildlife Rescue, Division Forest Office, Ashutosh Bhatta, shares his experience of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation during the training.
This training marks the continuation of our project’s camera trap deployment efforts.
Project Update 3: Camera trap survey for mammals
Since January 28th, 2024, we have installed three cameras at temporary camera trap stations within the Gopaleshwor forest in collaboration with community forest users. We plan to monitor additional sites in the forest until the end of February.
This expanded camera trap network will enable us to:
- Gather comprehensive data: Gain a deeper understanding of wildlife presence, distribution, and activity patterns within the forest.
- Identify conservation priorities: Use the collected data to inform targeted conservation actions and resource management strategies.
- Foster community engagement: Actively involve the local community in biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Project Update 4: Completion of mammal survey and result sharing workshop
The field survey began on January 28, 2024, and continued through February, concluding on March 2, 2024. Over the course of this month-long study, camera trap units were strategically placed across 10 sites within the 81.90-hectare forest area.
On April 1, 2024, we organized a result sharing workshop for community members and representatives to share the output of the project. During the workshop, we presented the checklist and images of mammals recorded in Gopaleshwor Community Forest, along with the study outcomes and our recommendations. Additionally, we provided them with a comprehensive report detailing our findings.
[Last Updated on 5 April 2024]
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